On Monday, the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change published a landmark report providing a highly comprehensive review of climate change science. While the report has been described as “code red for humanity”, Melissa Bui asks if world leaders will treat the climate crisis with the same urgency that they treated the pandemic crisis? The… Read more »
Melissa Bui
Melissa is IF’s Senior Researcher. With a degree in economics and an MSc in social and public policy, Melissa is responsible for producing IF’s quantitative research reports. She is also adept at communicating our research to both expert and non-expert audiences and stakeholders, through giving lectures and presentations or being part of panel events. Her particular areas of interest include mental health, government spending, employment and the climate crisis. Outside work Melissa is most likely to be found enjoying food with friends.
The climate crisis requires solidarity between generations
Throughout the pandemic crisis, younger generations have taken a large hit to their quality of life in order to protect older generations who are most at risk of dying from COVID–19. IF senior researcher, Melissa Bui, explains how older generations can repay young people for their demonstration of intergenerational solidarity by taking essential and urgent… Read more »
The government is failing younger generations on air pollution
Recent statistics have revealed that a quarter of schools in the UK are exposed to unhealthy levels of air pollution. IF senior researcher Melissa Bui explains how the rise in calls for the lowering of legal limits on air pollution are yet to lead to concrete government action.
How is the climate crisis being tackled in UK courts?
The success of the landmark climate lawsuit against fossil fuel company Shell serves as a reminder that companies and governments can be held accountable for their failure to protect the environment. IF senior researcher Melissa Bui outlines a number of ongoing climate lawsuits that are bringing forward similar legal challenges upon the government and key… Read more »
Mental Health Awareness Week: younger generations need greater access to nature
In keeping with this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme, which focuses on the importance of nature to mental health, IF senior researcher Melissa Bui explains how improving access to quality housing with outdoor spaces is a key step towards ensuring an equitable distribution of nature, and all of its mental health benefits, across the… Read more »
German government ordered to protect future generations
Germany’s highest court has ordered its government to revise its climate change legislation by the end of the year, ruling that current targets do not sufficiently protect the rights of future generations. IF senior researcher, Melissa Bui, explains the importance of framing intergenerational fairness as a rights issue and urges other high courts to follow… Read more »
Earth Day 2021: Time to restore our earth
April 22 is Earth Day and the theme for this year’s event is “Restore Our Earth”. IF senior researcher, Melissa Bui, discusses the need for long-termism in policy-making in order to be able to shift our approach towards restorative strategies rather than mitigation or adaptation.
Carbon emissions are declining despite economic growth in 32 countries
Recent figures released by the Breakout Institute suggest that 32 countries around the world have been able to reduce their emissions whilst achieving economic growth since 2005. IF researcher, Melissa Bui, explains what it means to “absolutely decouple” emissions from economic growth and how the UK is performing in this respect.
New report finds no sign of a Green Brexit
Greener UK, a coalition of environmental organisations in the UK, have recently released their final report which outlines how far the UK has progressed with implementing a “Green Brexit”. The conclusion of their results is clear: not much overall. Why has there been so little progress in environmental policy since 2016? IF researcher, Melissa Bui,… Read more »
Spending on children at risk due to financial pressures on local authorities
Newly released figures from the National Audit Office reveal that local authorities are facing a £605 million shortfall in funding, with financial pressures expected to continue for years to come. IF Researcher, Melissa Bui, explains what this means for spending on children’s services